[Architectural and structural craniofacial analysis (lateral view). Theoretical principles. Some example of its use in maxillofacial surgery (author's transl)].

Based upon the study of mutual equilibrium of the various bony structures of the skull and face, cranio facial architectural and structural analysis studies successively the skull (vault and base), then the face in relation to the skull and to the cranio-spinal joint. Its value lies in avoiding statistical averages rather relying upon individual measurements, influenced by the special features of each skeleton. It places the dentition within its cephalic context, thereby making it possible to demonstrate certain pathogenic factors of dento-facial dysmorphoses, not demonstrated by traditional types of orthodontic analysis. It is particularly useful to the maxillofacial surgeon in clearly demonstrating all maxillfacial amlformations and the pathological equilibria which it must transform. In the most severe types of craniofacial dysmorphosis it offers better possibilities than other methods of analysis of detecting the various cranial and facial abnormalities which characterise these conditions.